Instant reaction to the reports that the country is set to move to level five, but elite sports such as GAA are to continue.
Gaelic games are set to continue despite reports that the country is to move to level five of the lockdown measures for a six-week period.
News broke on Monday afternoon that the party leaders had agreed on the steps, which were then going to the full cabinet to be rubber-stamped.
There had been confusion over whether that meant an end to the GAA calendar for 2020, but further reports suggest that the All-Ireland championships can continue.
In recent weeks, NPHET had said that level five did not preclude the playing of GAA, whereas Tanaiste Leo Varadkar since spoke to the contrary.
Gyms are to close but inter-county action and professional sport such as rugby โ including the Six Nations โ will be permitted behind closed doors.
Click play on the video at the top of the page for an update on the measures, why the government needs GAA to placate the masses, and why people are attacking Gaelic games so readily.
RTE news reporter Micheal Lehane gave updates on the situation via Twitter, stating:
“Cabinet to consider moving Country to Level 5 restrictions until the end of November. Meeting now underway.
“Things that will continue/remain open if as expected Cabinet agree Level 5 restrictions tonight: Construction, schools, elite sport, GAA Championship, horse racing, essential retail stores, take-aways from pubs and restaurants.
“New restrictions would be introduced from midnight on Wednesday, people would only be able to exercise within 5km of their homes under plan currently being discussed by Government.”
Newstalk’s Sean Defoe added:
“CONFIRMED: The recommendation gone to Ministers is for Level 5 for six weeks. That’s been agreed by the party leaders and is about to be discussed by the full cabinet.
“Children will be allowed to continue to play sport and train in pods of 15 outdoors.
“Gyms are to close but inter-county GAA and professional sport including Six Nations to be allowed behind closed doors.
“Construction and schools expected to continue and stay open under level 5. “Elite sport” allowed with some training for children as well.”
